Helmet is an American alternative metal band from New York City, New York. Formed in 1989, the group originally featured guitarist and vocalist Page Hamilton, guitarist Peter Mengede, bassist Henry Bogdan and drummer John Stanier.[1] The group released its debut album Strap It On in 1990, followed by Meantime in 1992 on Interscope Records.[1] Due to increased tensions with frontman Hamilton, Mengede was fired from the band on February 17, 1993.[2] After his dismissal, the guitarist went on to form the supergroup Handsome.[3] Rob Echeverria was enlisted to perform on the 1994 album Betty, although he also left the band in 1996 to join Biohazard.[4] Helmet recorded Aftertaste as a three-piece, with Hamilton performing all guitars.[1] After touring with former Orange 9mm guitarist Chris Traynor,[1] the band broke up in 1998.[5]
In 2003, it was announced that Helmet had reformed with bassist Rob "Blasko" Nicholson and drummer John Tempesta joining Hamilton and Traynor.[6] A spokesperson for Hamilton later debunked the news, but noted that Hamilton and Traynor were working on an unidentified project.[7] In early 2004 the Helmet reformation was officially announced, with recently former Anthrax bassist Frank Bello and Tempesta joining the group.[8] Bello left to return to Anthrax in early 2005, with Jeremy Chatelain taking his place for remaining tour dates.[9] Tempesta left in early 2006 to join The Cult,[10] with Mike Jost taking his place a few months later.[11] In September, more lineup changes were announced as both Traynor and Jost left the group.[12] New additions Kyle Stevenson (drums) and Jon Fuller (bass) were announced the following month, which also marked Chatelain's departure.[13] Jimmy Thompson took Traynor's place later, although only remained with the band until late 2007 before being replaced by Dan Beeman the following February.[14]
Helmet returned with new studio album Seeing Eye Dog in 2010, which featured a returning Traynor on bass;[15] Dave Case was officially announced as the group's new touring bassist around the same time.[16] The band released its eighth studio album Dead to the World in 2016, which was the first to feature Case.[17]
| Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Page Hamilton |
|
|
all Helmet releases |
 |
Kyle Stevenson | 2006–present |
|
|
 |
Dan Beeman | 2008–present |
|
|
 |
Dave Case | 2010–present |
|
|
| Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henry Bogdan | 1989–1998 | bass |
| |
 |
John Stanier | drums | ||
| Peter Mengede | 1989–1993 | rhythm guitar |
| |
| Rob Echeverria | 1993–1996 |
| ||
 |
Chris Traynor |
|
|
|
 |
John Tempesta | 2004–2006 | drums | Size Matters (2004) |
 |
Frank Bello | 2004–2005 (touring only) |
|
none |
 |
Jeremy Chatelain | 2005–2006 (touring only) | Seeing Eye Dog (2010) – Live at Warped Tour bonus disc only | |
| Mike Jost | 2006 | drums |
| |
| Jon Fuller | 2006–2010 (touring only) | bass | Seeing Eye Dog (2010) – bonus USB key live albums only | |
| Jimmy Thompson | 2006–2007 | rhythm guitar | Seeing Eye Dog (2010) – Live in Detroit bonus USB key live album only |
| Period | Members | Releases |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1989 – February 1993 |
|
|
| 1993–1996 |
|
|
| Mid-1996 – early 1997 |
|
|
| Early 1997 – early 1998 |
|
none – live performances only |
| Band inactive 1998–2004 | ||
| March – June 2004 |
|
|
| June 2004 – April 2005 |
|
none – live performances only |
| June 2005 – February 2006 |
| |
| May – September 2006 |
|
|
| October – late 2006 |
|
none – rehearsals only |
| Late 2006 – late 2007 |
|
|
| February 2008 – June 2010 |
|
|
| June 2010 – present |
|
|
|
| |
|---|---|
| |
| Studio albums |
|
| Other releases |
|
| Singles |
|
| Labels |
|
| Related bands |
|
| Related articles |
|
